Development

Old Soldier’s Home Zone A Development Approved

By Prince Of Petworth

DC Mud is reporting that Zone A of the Armed Forces Retirement Home has been approved.

They say:

“Zone A will host the most extensive development of the four zones and is slated for improvements to take on an “urban character with a building typology that is sympathetic to the character and scale of existing AFRH contributing buildings and landscape…” EEK Architects have been working with the development team, a partnership between the General Service Administration and Charlotte-based Crescent Resources, LLC, to create a mix of uses that could potentially include research, office, residential, hotel, retail, and educational uses through private leases. The maximum allowable gross area will be 4.3 million s.f. with over 6,000 parking spaces.”

So is this good news or not? Do you think a potential hotel would be successful in this location?

Reader Query

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live on the corner of 13th and Taylor Streets, NW and have noticed some construction activity at an old, abandoned auto shop across the street from me. I believe that the address would be 4100 13th Street, NW.

Any idea what this might be or where I could possibly find out? The whole neighborhood has been watching this site for some time, hoping that we may get some kind of a coffee shop or small eatery.”

New Restaurant Coming to 14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks again to a reader for the tip. The liquor application says the restaurant will be Cafe Salsa and is located at 1712 14th Street near Cork. The restaurant will feature “neuvo latino cuisine” and have an occupancy up to 150. Right on.

Fire Hydrant Used For New Construction?

By Prince Of Petworth

I thought this was a bit odd. It is located on 14th Street as you are walking towards Florida Ave on the eastern side of the street. What is it being used for? Is this kosher?

Judge New Construction

By Prince Of Petworth

The house all the way to the left was once featured as a house of the day. But I’m wondering what you think about the building vis a vis the block? I dig the modern look but I also think it clashes rather than compliments the more traditional rowhouses towards the middle of the block. What do you think – clash or compliment?

It’s Official 11th Street Deli Becoming a Wine Bar

By Prince Of Petworth

I finally got some more details about this awesome development. It turns out Temperance Hall/Looking Glass Lounge Manager, Dan Searing, is one of the partners in the wine bar slated to come to 11th Street and Lamont. My opinion of this section of 11th Street continues to soar. One day I’m going to open up a satellite office on 11th Street!

So I spoke to Dan this evening to get some more details about the as of yet unnamed wine bar. He is partnering with Ben Gilligan (of the band French Toast), Nick Pimentel (of Toolbox Design, Yellow Fever DJs, and Gypsy Eyes and Planaria record labels) and Paul Ruppert. They are currently in the process of applying for a liquor license and they are looking forward to working with the ANC and the community at large to ensure a smooth transition. They hope to open up sometime in the Fall. Inside will seat up to 20 folks and outside will be a garden area that will seat up to 25.

Dan will continue working at Looking Glass Lounge in a part-time capacity.

This is a phenomenal development. What an awesome place to compliment Red Rocks, Wonderland, Bloombars, and Columbia Heights Coffee. And don’t forget we still have Meridian Pint coming as well. Beautiful.

Scuttlebutt of the Week

By Prince Of Petworth

Columbia Heights Coffee has recieved its first round of permits to expand its store on 11th Street. That’s the good news the bad news is that they still need another set of permits before demolition can begin. Still positive news.

By this time next year it is likely that Red Derby will have a roof deck. Unbelievably cool.

The building housing Looking Glass Lounge and the Yoga House upstairs has been sold for nearly $1.5 million. Both LGL and Yoga House have leases for the next two years so there is not likely to be any changes. However when the leases run out I am very fearful for the future. If that building was bought for nearly $1.5 mil then I’d have to assume that rents will sky rocket. In my opinion I don’t think this bodes well. My guess is we’ll be seeing more condos up top with, God willing, some type of retail in LGL’s space (and of course hopefully LGL will remain).

Washington Business Journal Reports on More Georiga Ave Development News

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the news from the Washington Business Journal. Apparently Donatelli Development Inc. and the Neighborhood Development Corp. have bid on “The 5,700-square-foot lot at 3825-3829 Georgia Ave. NW and 3,700 square feet in two vacant storefronts at 3813 and 3815 Georgia Ave.” WBJ reports, “Both teams suggested retail and housing, and one of them suggested offices…the teams will present their ideas to the community by Sept. 1 and the District hopes to make a decision by early November.”

Awesome!

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